Best Deconstructor Of Fun Podcasts (2025)

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TWIG #328 The Hidden Cost of Celebrity Ads and the How Hollywood Doesn’t Get Games 1:07:53

1d ago1:07:53

1:07:53

The crew unpacks a week of spicy news and strategic contradictions, starting with Supercell’s latest investments and how VC incentives often clash with long-term game building. We weigh in on GamesBeat’s move to independence, the ongoing esports funding debate, and whether Netflix’s Rebel Moon game is a flex or a fumble. Valorant Mobile’s China lau…

1
280. The Harsh Truths Behind Venture Capital No One Tells Founders with Lightspeed's Mortiz Baier-Lentz 1:32:42

5d ago1:32:42

1:32:42

Lightspeed’s Moritz Baier-Lentz joins us for a no-holds-barred conversation on venture capital, gaming, and the inner workings of multi-billion-dollar venture funds. No fluff—just real talk about fund math, spotting exceptional founders, the future of AI in gaming, and why most investments won’t work out (and why that’s okay). 00:00 from pro-gamer …

1
TWIG #327 The East-West LiveOps Clash and the New Era of Extraction Shooters 59:31

9d ago59:31

59:31

Kress is fresh back from Turkiye, sharing on-the-ground insights before diving headfirst into the week’s big beats. We break down Epic Games Store’s revenue, debate the Minecraft movie’s potential for franchise dominance, and unpack the latest M&A and investment trends shaping gaming’s future. Inflation’s creeping impact on game pricing gets a hard…

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279. From Experiment to Essential: How UGC Gaming Became a Marketing Powerhouse 54:33

12d ago54:33

54:33

In this episode of Deconstructor of Fun, Jen Donahoe is by Charles Hambro, CEO and Co-Founder of GEEIQ, and Matt Edelman, President and CEO of Super League, to dive deep into the evolving world of brand activations and UGC (user-generated content) in gaming. We explore how brands navigate virtual worlds, the ROI of successful campaigns, and why gam…

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TWIG #326 Supercell Goes VC while Minecraft Kills at the Box Office 1:06:37

16d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

In this week’s episode of This Week in Games, we’re joined by special guest Chris Sides for a jam-packed conversation covering everything from transmedia storytelling to the latest moves in the gaming industry. We dive into the surprising momentum behind the Minecraft movie, explore Gen Z trends and market predictions, and unpack Netflix’s bold pus…

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278. Unlocking Gen Z: Strategies for Game Publishers and Developers 59:33

19d ago59:33

59:33

In this episode, Deconstructor of Fun’s Michail Katkoff sits down with Tobias Knoke — long-time Googler, gaming industry expert, and Gen Z whisperer — to unpack what game developers need to know right now about the fastest-growing and most misunderstood audience in gaming. 👉 Learn why Gen Z is about to become the biggest spending group on mobile 👉 …

1
TWIG #325 Ubisoft Bails Out, AppLovin Fights Back, Roblox Becomes an Ad Network 1:08:47

23d ago1:08:47

1:08:47

GDC’s over, but the takes are still hot. Eric Kress recaps the chaos and questions Dark Legion’s staying power, while Phil gives the Game Craft boys a well-deserved nod. Then it’s Switch 2 speculation time: is Nintendo finally back in the power game? Meanwhile, Roblox cozies up to Google for rewarded ads—what does that mean for the ecosystem? Meanw…

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277. Leadership, AI, and Mobile Growth – Insights from AppsFlyer’s CEO and co-Founder, Oren Kaniel 1:20:20

24d ago1:20:20

1:20:20

What makes the company a great place to work? We discuss the significance of company culture, leadership evolution, and the vital role of customer obsession with AppsFlyer's CEO and co-founder, Oren Kaniel. Oren shares his entrepreneurial journey, how the company overcame early financial challenges, and the importance of remaining innovative and pa…

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276. Growing in a Mature Market with Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay 1:11:39

26d ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Josh Wilson, CEO of SciPlay, returns to the podcast for the third time to discuss key topics such as the significance of Q5, the challenges of app store reliance, the stalled growth in the gaming market, the emergence of hybrid casualization, and the role of AI in gaming. Subscribe to the Deconstructor of Fun Newsletter: www.deconstructoroffun.com/…

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TWIG #324: Netflix Games Build Back Better Plan, Launch of DC Dark Legion and Death of Fragpunk 1:06:42

30d ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Eric speedruns through an a16z correction, while Phil can’t wrap his head around Funplus’ new 4x Dark Legion thesis. Adam tells us Netease’s Fragpunk is dead, and Jen tells us games journalism is alive. Against all odds, Netflix Games records its first positive segment. And did you hear that? It’s the inZOI train CHUGGin’. Subscribe to the Deconstr…

1
TWIG #323 LIVE at GDC!!! 1:09:41

1M ago1:09:41

1:09:41

The rowdy and tired DoF crew closed down their GDC with a live TWIG show at Moscone Center. Tune in! Chapters: 02:47 Kickoff 03:15 GDC Vibe Check 06:30 Industry Sentiment and Challenges 21:20 Emerging Markets and New Game Development 22:26 A16Z Speed Run and Industry Shifts 26:21 Funding Trends and Credit Lines 27:40 Absurd Ideas and Rumors 31:00 S…

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281. Do It Better: Creative Production with AI 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

Alexei Chemenda, CEO and co-founder of Poolday.ai, discusses how AI enables marketers to focus on strategy and storytelling. Discover the future of personalized video ads, the evolving role of A/B testing, and the importance of combining creative and analytical skills in marketing. 00:00 Introduction: Misconceptions About AI in Marketing 01:53 Revo…

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275. Beyond User Acquisition: How to Win with Influencer Marketing 48:43

1M ago48:43

48:43

Marion Balinoff and Sara Guerola share data-driven strategies for maximizing influencer marketing in gaming. As CPIs rise and privacy regulations evolve, influencer marketing is becoming a key performance channel. Marion and Sara break down budget calculations, track organic uplift, and analyze campaign performance while highlighting tactics like Q…

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TWIG #322 Farmville, Pokemon Go, and Female Gamers 56:59

1M ago56:59

56:59

Mishka wrestles with the implications of AppLovin’s Triple Dot acquisition, while Scopely’s latest move has everyone questioning the future of Pokémon Go. Eric breaks down the latest insights from the Turkish gaming industry, while Jen dissects the Midia Research gamer segmentation report. Phil revisits the hypercasual ad playbook, while Subway Sur…

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274. Skillz CEO Andrew Paradise on the $75M Accelerator and the Future of Skill-Based Gaming 47:39

1M ago47:39

47:39

www.skillz.com/developeraccelerator/ We dive deep into the world of real-money skill-based gaming and the exciting new Developer Accelerator launched by Skills Inc. Our special guest, Andrew Paradise, CEO and co-founder of Skillz, sheds light on the potential and market opportunity within this rapidly growing industry, discussing what types of game…

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273. How Türkiye Became the New Capital of Mobile Gaming – And Where It’s Headed Next 1:31:26

2M ago1:31:26

1:31:26

The world-class panel of Turkish founders and investors with Mehmet Ecevit (ex-CEO and co-founder of Gram Games), Batuhan Celebi (CEO and co-founder of Grand Games), and Görkem Turk (founder of Laton Ventures) shares their thoughts on what makes the Turkish gaming ecosystem unique, the importance of data-driven design, and how to maintain company c…

1
TWIG #321 AppLovin’s SHOCK Acquirer, Supercell's New Boat, and Guitar Hero’s $1B CORPSE 47:44

2M ago47:44

47:44

Eric tries his best to make sense of the AppLovin deal, while Monster Hunter Wilds has never made more sense. Laura covers Supercell’s Lonely Island play, Boat Game, while Jen defends Disney IP as it STEPs it up in Japan. Phil wants a recount of Guitar Hero’s demise, while Activision announces another entry in the franchise. The Deconstructor of Fu…

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272. From Prototypes to Hits: Inside Rollic’s Playbook with CEO Burak Vardal 57:18

2M ago57:18

57:18

“The way we survive is built on being creative every day” We sit down with Burak Vardal, CEO and co-founder of Rollic, to explore how the company skyrocketed in just a couple of years from a Turkish startup to one of the most successful mobile game publishers in the world. Burak shares insights on: The early days of Rollic and its quick acquisitio…

1
TWIG #320 Unity’s Fate, Fake Ads, Loot Boxes & GTA’s UGC Revolution 1:00:01

2M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

With Miska back jet-set life, Eric is HOT about the newest RNG platform, while Phil wants to revisit Niantic’s $9B valuation and go shopping in the Epic Game Store. Jen explodes a new angle on Vector, but Eric isn’t buying the geometry. The crew fights the first war on Last War’s Fake Ads: get real or get rich? To meet the Crew, check out our event…

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271. Gaming in the Middle East: Inside Abu Dhabi’s Big Bet on Games 1:03:26

2M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Marcos Muller, Director of Abu Dhabi talks about how the city is building a world-class gaming ecosystem from the ground up. From talent development to job creation and community engagement, Abu Dhabi Gaming is making big moves to attract studios, support developers, and put the region on the global gaming map. Marcos shares insights on the incenti…

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TWIG #319 Scopely 💰 Niantic, Marvel Rivals Drama, and Xbox in Downfall? 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

Our IRL events. Signup via the newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Scopely and Niantic are making moves, but can they actually change the game? NetEase unloads Marvel Rivals US studio—a political or an efficiency move? Plus, SMicrosoft’s console strategy looks shakier than ever, and we break down what the future of console gami…

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270. Why This CEO Moved His Gaming Studio from London to Abu Dhabi 47:07

2M ago47:07

47:07

🔗 Connect with Boris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boris-kalmykov-7ba38065/ We chat with Boris Kalnikov, CEO & Co-founder of Hype Masters, about relocating his gaming studio from London to Abu Dhabi. Boris shares his journey with World War Armies, the challenges of remote work, and why he chose Abu Dhabi as his new home. We dive into Abu Dhabi’s ris…

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TWIG #318 Supercell’s Records, Unity’s Chaos & AppLovin’s Fire Sale 49:35

2M ago49:35

49:35

ALL upcoming events in our newsletter: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe Supercell had a monster year with €2.8B in revenue, proving that bigger live ops teams and aggressive marketing can still drive growth—but let’s be real, Squad Busters flopped hard despite the hype. Meanwhile, Unity continues its slow-motion train wreck, losing key …

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269. The Ultra Positive Gaming Market Report: Sensor Tower's State of Mobile 2025 1:06:42

2M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

State of Mobile 2025 Report: https://bit.ly/42T04bX Join us in this episode as Jonathan Briskman from Sensor Towers and Michail Katkoff explore the overall health of the mobile market, Jonathan highlights strong growth metrics despite a mature landscape. He sheds light on the booming in-app purchase revenue and time spent on devices, while also dis…

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268. Wilfrid Obeng on How to Scale a $100M Startup and Choosing Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley 1:08:30

3M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Wilfrid Obeng’s journey from Goldman Sachs and Google to gaming startup CTO is anything but typical. In this episode, he breaks down how AudioMob is redefining in-game ads with audio, why they chose Abu Dhabi over Silicon Valley to scale their engineering team, and what it takes to transition from corporate structure to startup chaos. We dig into l…

1
TWIG #317: Big Dream, Bigger Battlefield, and the Biggest Roblox M&A deal EVER 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

signup to our newsletter and join our on-site events: https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/subscribe With Jen at a meditation retreat in California and Miska fully embracing his jet-set life, Eric reminds us just how wrong Matthew Ball got it. Adam reveals the Multiversus thesis and argues that Battlefield has room to grab dormant fans and grow the m…

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267. Helldivers 2, Warframe, First Descendant, and Once Human - How to Operate a PvE Shooter? 52:08

3M ago52:08

52:08

This episode features insights from top industry professionals on player engagement, revenue models, and the challenges faced by new releases like Helldivers 2, First Descendant, and Once Human. Dive into in-depth discussions on successful PvE models, key strategies for game success, and the future of game monetization. Join Adam Telfer and a panel…

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TWIG #316 Metaverse Myths, Ubisoft’s Struggles and the Stance for Marketing 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

We start off with Kress coming after Matthew Ball and his take on the Metaverse and end the episode with Jen making the last stance for brand marketers. In between the team breaks down the FTC’s latest settlement on loot boxes and what it means for the industry. Deep dive into Ubisoft's sea of worries and discuss Habby’s latest launch hurdles. 00:0…

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266. Money, Markets & Disruptive Trends – Xsolla’s Chris Hewish 54:23

3M ago54:23

54:23

Xsolla State of Play report: https://xsolla.com/newsroom/xsolla-autumn-2024-report Mobile gaming is bigger than ever, with the industry set to hit $98.7 billion in 2024. But where is that growth coming from? In this episode, we sit down with Xsolla’s Chris Hewish to break down the key trends shaping the global market—from Asia’s dominance to the ri…

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265. How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies? 1:07:12

3M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

How do Playtika and Wooga nail their Live Ops strategies? What does GameRefinery say you’re missing? In this episode, Nadav Moshes (Product & Market Insights Lead at Playtika), Maxime Graux (Head of Product Management at Wooga), and Erno Kiiski (Chief Game Analyst at GameRefinery) sit down with our very own Jen Donahoe to dissect the art and scienc…

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TWIG #315 TikTok Ban and Matthew Ball's State of the Market Report 1:12:51

3M ago1:12:51

1:12:51

TikTok’s gaming experiment closures and Marvel Snap’s China operations highlight the challenges of scaling global hits. Netflix’s games strategy is dissected, alongside surprising trends like the resurgence of Solitaire, which seems to be tapping into the nostalgia economy. The discussion turns heavier as the team unpacks sweeping workforce cuts at…

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264. Breaking Barriers: The Journey of a Next-Gen Game Developer Alexandra Takei 1:05:31

3M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

Jen Donahoe sits down with Alexandra Takei, a rising star who’s making waves in the gaming industry. They dive into what it takes to bridge the gap between business and creativity in gaming, the hard-earned lessons from startups, and how proactive collaboration can drive innovation. Alexandra discusses empathy and mentorship's critical role in her …

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TWIG #314 Market Predictions, Nintendo Leaks and an Award Ceremony 1:01:34

3M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Join us at PGC After Dark: ⁠https://lu.ma/m75avtgb⁠ This week’s TWIG episode starts with bold predictions for 2025 in mobile gaming, followed by Eric Kress’s half-hearted backtracking on hyper-casual games and the latest Nintendo Switch 2 leaks before deep diving into Marvel Rivals’ potential impact. The team revisits the year’s most significant mo…

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263. From Failures to Funding: Strategic Moves Founders Should Know with Joe Wadakethalakal, CEO of PvX Partners 1:32:18

3M ago1:32:18

1:32:18

CEO and co-founder of PvX Partners (www.pvxpartners.com), Joe Wadakethalakal shares his unique journey from India to Indonesia and beyond. Key takeaways from our chat with Joe Wadakethalakal:**Resilience matters**: Entrepreneurship is brutal—Joe’s journey shows how surviving failures and tough times builds long-term success.**Market size over Netwo…

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🏆 The 2024 Golden TWIG Awards: an Unfiltered Gaming Industry Award Show 1:10:42

4M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

CAST YOUR VOTE! https://forms.gle/BfBn6H123S2D1QdY9 Brace yourself for the most candid awards show in gaming! Join us as we dissect the highs and lows of 2024, dishing out Golden TWIGs for the year’s most memorable moments. From epic fails to surprising triumphs, we’re covering it all: Company Carnage: Who took the biggest hits? Gaming Letdowns: Wh…

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262. The Secret Sauce of 🇫🇷 French Game Publishers with Vincent Février, CMO of TapNation 1:03:31

4M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

The Hybridcasual Playbookhttps://metahybridcasualplaybook.splashthat.com/ In this episode of the Deconstructor of Fun podcast, Mishka Katkoff interviews Vincent Fevrier, CMO of Tap Nation, discussing the evolution of hybrid casual games and the unique position of French publishers in the gaming industry. They explore Tap Nation's growth from a star…

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261. Climbing to the C-Suite: Insights from Mission One's Gerard Miles 1:17:34

4M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Michail Katkoff and Gerard Miles dive into the nuances of executive headhunting, exploring the role of headhunters, pathways to the C-suite, and the significance of personal branding and mentorship in career growth. They share insights on how candidates can position themselves for leadership roles and embrace strategic thinking to thrive in a compe…

1
TWiG Bonus Episode: Holiday Special (UEFN, Royal Kingdom, and the Steam race) 56:59

4M ago56:59

56:59

No agenda? No problem! Ethan returns from UEFN dormancy to break some exciting news. Jen sells a BMW, while Eric tries to sell a Roblox correction. The Puzzle Queen herself ascends to browbeat Royale Kingdom into better KPIs, and Phil shares pictures of his cat in a banana. 01:17 Holiday Reflections and Family Updates 03:03 Good News, Bad News 04:0…

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260. David Nelson: The Maverick’s Guide for Thriving in BIG Organizations 1:40:30

4M ago1:40:30

1:40:30

In this episode, David Nelson co-Founder of Magnetic and a true maverick of our industry, dives deep into the nuances of mobile gaming innovation. David discusses his journey through King, including the formation and successes of the experimentation group. As the industry transforms, he explains the importance of understanding your audience, the pi…

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TWIG #313 Netflix Games Gets Jacked while the Game Awards Jacks Up Numbers 1:12:39

4M ago1:12:39

1:12:39

We kick things off with a deep dive into what separates different Nordic countries with regional experts Phillip Black and Mishka Katkoff.Next, we tackle Squad Busters’ ambitious new update. Will it be enough to reverse its decline, or is it too little, too late?Then, there will be chaos in the streaming world as Netflix Games gets GTAd! What went …

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259. From Segmentation to Personalization: The SciPlay Approach to Success 1:12:40

4M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Cameron Stewart, Group Vice President at SciPlay, shares valuable insights on the robust growth of social casinos, emphasizing retention and monetization strategies. We explore how SciPlay operates with low concentration levels in the market, the importance of personalizing user experiences, and the innovative approaches driving their success. Get …

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TWIG #312 THE GREATEST WEEK IN F2P. EVER? EVER! 1:08:27

5M ago1:08:27

1:08:27

With Miska set on another jet, Q5 launches in earnest with Marvel Rivals, Delta Force, Path of Exile 2, Infinity Nikki, and Girlsfront Line 2. Oh my, oh my. Kress gives his full review of Infinity Nikki’s costumes, while Jen pulls “Franchise” Beetlejuice. How can Marvel Rivals cross-promote in every Marvel game? Adam pours cold water retention down…

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258. Unlocking Attribution with TikTok and AppsFlyer 1:10:03

5M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

Mishka Kaktoff is joined by Steve Lockwood from TikTok and Roy Yanai from AppsFlyer, who share their extensive insights on evolving attribution techniques, overcoming challenges in the privacy landscape, and future-proofing measurement strategies. This episode is packed with valuable information that can help improve your campaign performance, game…

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257. Up Down Up with Kim Nordström 1:29:53

5M ago1:29:53

1:29:53

Up Down Up is now available as an audiobook on Audible! https://www.amazon.com/UP-DOWN-companies-succeed-others/dp/B0CR7T9DPT In this episode, Kim Nordstrom joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the gaming industry, from releasing his first game in 1995 to significant roles at PlayStation, King, and Paradox. The conversation delves into topic…

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TWIG #311 Musk Enters the Game, Archero 2 Aims for the Bullseye, PlayStation Goes Portable 56:49

5M ago56:49

56:49

In this episode of This Week in Games, we dive into the intriguing rumors surrounding a potential new PlayStation Portable and discuss Elon Musk’s rumored AI game studio, which could reshape innovation in the space. On the business side, we analyze the closure of Ubisoft studios and the enduring popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In mobil…

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256. Running a Successful Live Service Game with Sergei Vasiuk 1:22:38

5M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

In this episode, host Mishka Katkoff is joined by Sergei Vasiuk, LiveOps Director at Wargaming and author of 'Running a Successful Live Service Game.' The two delve into Sergei's book, discussing everything from the evolution of gaming models to data-driven development, player engagement, monetization strategies, and the challenges of global operat…

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255. From Casual to Complex: Trends that Shaped Gaming in 2024 1:06:54

5M ago1:06:54

1:06:54

Dive deep into the world of game development and user acquisition with AppLovin’s Daniel TchernahovskyIn this episode, we explore the growth of mobile gaming, the significance of hybrid monetization, and the impact of automation and AI on user acquisition strategies. Learn how Applovin's journey from startup to powerhouse company evolved, the impor…

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TWIG #310 Can Royal Kingdom Reach the Peak? Who Wins the War of the You Giants? 1:16:38

5M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Happy Thanksgaming! This week, the Deconstructor of Fun crew kicks things off with a recap of the buzzing Slush event before diving into a deep analysis of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. From there, we tackle Ubisoft’s heated return-to-office controversy and explore Hasbro’s massive $150 million investment in gaming. The latter half of the episode delv…

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254. Inside Timi Studio: How Call of Duty Mobile Set the Stage for Delta Force 39:48

5M ago39:48

39:48

Phillip Black sits down with Leo Yao, General Manager of Timi Studio Group’s J3 studio, for an exclusive look at the making of Call of Duty Mobile and the upcoming Delta Force. Discover how Timi shocked Activision with a two-month Nuketown demo, the secrets behind COD Mobile’s record-breaking live ops, and why Delta Force pivots to tackle Battlefie…

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TWIG #309: EA’s AI problems, Monopoly GO’s decline, and Pokémon Pocket’s success 53:41

5M ago53:41

53:41

As Kress’ World of Warcraft account turns 20, we blow out the candles and reflect on a surprising reason behind EA’s disastrous AI investor presentation. Jen delivers a valiant defense of Monopoly Go’s new TV campaign, while Phil reviews the early returns of Pokémon TCG Pocket. Big in Japan, as they say? The group wraps up with what might be the ye…

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Deconstructor Of Fun Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen